The Pakistani government is set to implement an HPV vaccination program for 10 million underage girls, sparking discussion nationwide. The Health Ministry plans a phased rollout, beginning with girls in Islamabad, Punjab, PoK, and Sindh, followed by Balochistan and Khyber.
The introduction of the vaccine has ignited a debate, with many questioning the initiative, given the history of vaccine skepticism in Pakistan, including controversies around polio and COVID-19 vaccinations.
**What is the HPV Vaccine?**
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is designed to combat cervical cancer. This type of cancer is particularly prevalent among married women. The government’s initiative aims to promote awareness and prevention through vaccination.
According to Rashida Batool, the District Health Officer of Islamabad, around 5,000 women in Pakistan are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with approximately 3,000 fatalities each year. The government seeks to eliminate cervical cancer through this program.
Cervical cancer develops in 70% of HPV-infected patients, and it exclusively affects women. The Pakistani government emphasizes adherence to WHO guidelines, which highlight the importance of timely vaccination to minimize risks.
**Focus on Underage Girls**
The vaccination drive will primarily target underage girls aged 9-14. Questions are being raised about why the vaccine isn’t being administered to married women as well.
Government officials claim the vaccine reduces cervical cancer cases by 90%. The vaccination campaign aims to secure the future health of girls.
**Past Challenges with Vaccination Programs**
Pakistan has faced significant challenges with past vaccination campaigns, especially for polio. Between 2012 and 2025, more than 20 attacks occurred on polio teams, resulting in 110 deaths. Similar controversies surrounded the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
The question remains whether the HPV vaccine will be readily embraced by underage girls in Pakistan, given the existing level of skepticism and the volatile environment in various regions of the country.